Overview
Selling or buying a used vehicle in Arkansas? A bill of sale is your proof of the deal — it records who sold what, for how much, and on what date. Arkansas transfers ownership through the signed title and a title application at the DFA, and the state even provides an official Vehicle Bill of Sale / Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form 10-313). A bill of sale protects both sides: it locks in the price, the exact handover date, and the fact that the seller is no longer responsible for tickets or accidents once the keys change hands.
Arkansas requirements
Is a bill of sale required in Arkansas?
It's strongly recommended, and the DFA publishes an official one (Form 10-313). Ownership transfers through the signed title and a title application, but the bill of sale documents the purchase price the DFA uses to assess tax and proves you're no longer liable for the vehicle.
Does it need to be notarized?
No. Arkansas does not require a motor vehicle bill of sale to be notarized. You can notarize it voluntarily for extra proof, but it is not needed to transfer the title.
Title transfer deadline
The buyer must apply for a title and registration with the DFA within 30 days of the purchase date. Missing the deadline triggers a penalty starting at $150, so don't wait.
Motor vehicle sales tax
Arkansas charges 6.5% state sales tax plus local taxes, paid by the buyer to the DFA at registration rather than to the seller. Used vehicles priced under $4,000 are exempt, and those from $4,000 to $9,999 are taxed at a reduced 3.5% state rate.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires the odometer reading at the time of sale for vehicles under 20 model years old. Record it on both the bill of sale and the title — Arkansas's Form 10-313 combines the bill of sale with the odometer statement.
How to fill it out
- 1
Enter the sale date and the Arkansas county where the sale takes place.
- 2
Add the seller's and buyer's full legal names and addresses.
- 3
Describe the vehicle — make, model, year, color, and 17-character VIN.
- 4
Record the odometer reading and the federal odometer disclosure.
- 5
Enter the purchase price and choose 'as-is' or add warranty terms.
- 6
Both parties sign — then the buyer files the title application at the Arkansas DFA within 30 days.
Ready to create your Arkansas bill of sale?
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Open the free builderWhat to include
- Seller & buyer names and addresses
- Make, model, year, color & VIN
- Odometer reading + federal disclosure
- Purchase price & sales-tax note
- “As-is” statement or warranty terms
- Date of sale and signatures
Arkansas bill of sale by vehicle type
The same Arkansasbuilder works for more than cars — pick your vehicle and the form adapts: the right ID number (a VIN, a boat's HIN, or a serial number) and an odometer reading only where one applies.
- Car bill of sale
- Truck bill of sale
- SUV bill of sale
- Van bill of sale
- Motorcycle bill of sale
- ATV bill of sale
- RV bill of sale
- Camper bill of sale
- Trailer bill of sale
- Boat bill of sale
- Jet Ski bill of sale
- Snowmobile bill of sale
- Golf Cart bill of sale
- Tractor bill of sale
A few differ: boats and jet skis use a Hull ID Number (HIN) instead of a VIN and have no odometer; trailers, campers, snowmobiles, golf carts, and tractors have no odometer either; and boats, ATVs, and snowmobiles often register with a different agency (such as a wildlife, boating, or parks department) rather than the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), Office of Motor Vehicle. Confirm the details with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), Office of Motor Vehicle.
Arkansas bill of sale FAQ
Does an Arkansas motor vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. Arkansas does not require a vehicle bill of sale to be notarized. The legal transfer happens through the signed title and a title application at the DFA — notarizing is optional and only adds extra proof.
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in Arkansas?
It isn't strictly required to transfer the title, but it's strongly recommended and the DFA even provides an official form (10-313). It proves the price the state uses to assess tax, the sale date, and that you're no longer responsible for the vehicle.
Where do I transfer the title in Arkansas?
At the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), Office of Motor Vehicle — at a state revenue office or online. The buyer submits the signed title, a title application, the bill of sale, and payment for the title fee and sales tax.
How long do I have to transfer the title in Arkansas?
The buyer has 30 days from the purchase date to apply for the title and registration with the DFA. Missing the deadline triggers a penalty starting at $150, so don't wait.
How much is sales tax on a used car in Arkansas?
The state rate is 6.5% plus local taxes, paid to the DFA at registration. Used vehicles under $4,000 are exempt, and those priced $4,000 to $9,999 are taxed at a reduced 3.5% state rate — which is why an accurate sale price on your bill of sale matters.
Do both the buyer and seller need to sign?
Yes. Both parties should sign and date the bill of sale, and each keeps a copy. If there are two buyers or two sellers, every party signs.
Is a handwritten bill of sale valid in Arkansas?
Yes — a handwritten bill of sale is valid as long as it has the key details, though the DFA also offers an official Form 10-313. A complete, typed document like this one is simply cleaner and far less likely to be questioned at the revenue office.
Is this Arkansas bill of sale really free?
Yes — completely. Fill it in, preview it live, and download the PDF with no signup, no credit card, and no watermark. Unlike sites that charge a fee or push a subscription to download, there's nothing to pay here.